Robson: Defence is key

Long-standing defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have left the club, with Patrice Evra poised to join them in moving to Juventus.

Robson said: "When I look at us, I just think losing Nemanja and Rio and conceding goals last year means can we get a really good centre-half? I think that's more important than a central midfield player at this moment in time.

"When you look back, we've nearly always had a really dominant player who is brilliant in the air and an organiser. If you go back, we've had Rio, Nemanja, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister and Jaap Stam.

"We've always had a centre-half who is as good as any player aerially, talks to people and is a leader. I feel we need that type of centre-half to improve the team. I can definitely see another couple of players coming into the club."

And according to Sport Italia, the player is set to reaffirm that stance on Tuesday.

It remains to be seen if United table a bid, with PSG wanting close to the €64million they paid for Cavani a year ago.

(Image: Getty)

Spend, spend, spend

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has insisted the funds are there for Louis van Gaal to strengthen ahead of the new season.

Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera have arrived already this summer for a combined £60million and Woodward expects more to follow.

He told MUTV: "There is no fixed budget.

"Financially we are extremely strong, funds are available. Louis is assessing what’s been going on, we’ve been in dialogue for some time about targets, so there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes. Watch this space."

Woodward also admitted one or two players may have to depart the club.

Going, going...

Patrice Evra will complete his switch to Juventus later today, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The experienced left-back only signed a new contract in May but is said to be surplus to requirements following Luke Shaw's arrival.

Some reports had suggested the deal had fell through due to Antonio Conte's departure from Turin but that doesn't appear to be the case.

Evra is set to sign a two-year deal with the Serie A champions.

Bluebirds Keane on Michael

BBC Sport reports Cardiff are tracking United defender Michael Keane.

The 21-year-old enjoyed loan spells at Derby and Cardiff last season but returned to Old Trafford with a hope of breaking into the first-team.

However, he knows Ole Gunnar Solskjaer well from the Norwegian's time in Manchester - something the Cardiff boss hopes will work in his favour.